Square footage is the easy part of a roof estimate. The money is in everything else: the tapered insulation that gets the water to the drains, the flashing at every curb and wall, the edge metal, the tear-off nobody saw until the first layer came up.
Our roofing estimating services price complete roof systems (steep-slope and low-slope) with materials, labor, and the details that separate a winning roofing bid from a losing one.
Steep-slope takeoffs include field squares adjusted for pitch, starter, ridge and hip caps, underlayment, ice and water barrier at eaves and valleys, drip edge, valley metal, step and counter flashing, vents, and pipe boots.
On a flat roof, the slope comes from the insulation. Tapered systems vary in thickness across the roof to direct water to drains and scuppers, with crickets between drains and behind curbs. Two roofs with the same area can need very different insulation quantities depending on drain spacing and required slope. We take off tapered insulation from the roof plan and tapered layout, or carry a stated allowance when no layout is provided.
Cover boards, fastening patterns, and adhesive coverage change with the specified attachment method and wind requirements.
convert plan area into actual roof surface area for sloped roofs.
(100 square feet) are reported for both field area and accessories.
depends on the roof's shape: hips, valleys, and dormers increase it. We apply waste by roof complexity rather than a flat percentage.
eaves, rakes, ridges, hips, valleys, walls, and copings: are measured separately because they're priced by the foot.
Detail work often costs more per foot than the field. We count and measure:
A roof covered in mechanical equipment and penetrations prices very differently from a clean one of the same size.
Re-roof estimates carry extra variables:
We state each allowance clearly so the owner understands what's included and what becomes extra work.
Manufacturer warranties and wind uplift requirements can change the roof system: thicker membranes, cover boards, enhanced fastening at corners and perimeters, or specific flashing details. We read the specification for warranty and uplift requirements and price the system that meets them.
For insurance claims written in Xactimate, see our Xactimate estimating service. Xactimate estimating → Gutters and downspouts are covered separately. Gutter estimating →
Upload the drawings through our quote form, share a Google Drive or plan-room link, or email them. Large sets travel best as a shared folder.
Upload Your Plans →Or email info@primeestimation.com.
We measure roof areas from the roof plan, apply pitch factors for sloped roofs, and separately measure edges, valleys, ridges, and flashings. Waste is added based on roof complexity.
Yes, from the tapered layout when provided, or as a stated allowance based on drain locations.
Yes, with allowances for tear-off layers, wet insulation, and deck repair clearly stated.
Gutters can be included or estimated separately.
Send your roof plans and specs. We'll quote the takeoff and delivery date.
